Since 2009, youth groups in the Sioux City, Waterloo, Des Moines, Cedar Rapids, Winterset and Marshalltown areas have participated in many successful service learning initiatives through the Reach Out Iowa program. A goal of the program is that adults in these communities see the value that hard working and creative youth can bring when addressing complex community issues.

Beef producers who attended a recent series of pasture management meetings in southern Iowa learned of the importance of timely and careful stockpiling of fescue pastures. Iowa State University Extension and Outreach and Iowa Beef Center (IBC) sponsored the meetings that focused on fescue management.

Science, engineering, technology and math (STEM) interests have expanded through 4-H clubs in recent years and Iowa State University Extension Science, Engineering and Technology (E-SET) wants to encourage this growth. This year, 40 4-H programs received mini-grants to use for STEM-focused activities.

Ruth Hambleton, founder of Annie's Project, and Linda Barnes, creator of the Entrepreneurial and Diversified Agriculture program were named Rural Champions of Change by the White House. Both innovative educators partner with Iowa State University Extension and Outreach.

Iowa State University Extension and Outreach is working with local agencies, media and local businesses to provide resources to families, communities and businesses dealing with the flooding in western Iowa.

The Iowa’s Living Roadways Community Visioning Program is currently accepting applications for the 2012 program. Eligible communities are those with populations of fewer than 10,000, existing transportation-related issues and a committee of volunteers willing to dedicate their time and talent to the visioning process.

Iowa State University (ISU) Extension and the Iowa Soybean Association (ISA) have released a collaborative second edition of the Soybean Aphid Field Guide. The guide’s authors are Erin Hodgson, ISU Extension entomologist, and Matt O’Neal, ISU research entomologist.